President Donald Trump on Friday warned that the United States is “locked and loaded” if Iran kills protesters, after demonstrations over the rising cost of living turned deadly in the country.
“If Iran shoots and violently kills peaceful protesters, which is their custom, the United States of America will come to their rescue,” Trump said in a post on Truth Social. “We are locked and loaded and ready to go.”
The warnings came as several people were reported killed during unrest overnight into Thursday, according to Iranian media and rights groups. The protests, the largest in three years, erupted over soaring inflation and spreading economic hardship. A member of Iran’s security forces also died in clashes with demonstrators.
The unrest began on Sunday when shopkeepers in Tehran protested the government’s handling of the plummeting currency and rapidly rising prices. Over the following days, students and other citizens joined the demonstrations, turning what started as economic grievances into widespread unrest across the country.
Iran’s prosecutor general, Mohammad Movahedi-Azad, acknowledged on Wednesday that economic protests were legitimate, but he cautioned that any effort to create insecurity would face a “decisive response.” Speaking to state media, he said, “Peaceful livelihood protests are part of social and understandable realities. Any attempt to turn economic protests into a tool of insecurity, destruction of public property, or implementation of externally designed scenarios will inevitably be met with a legal, proportionate, and decisive response.”
The protests have escalated at a delicate time for Iran’s ruling clerics. The country is facing Western sanctions that have contributed to 40 percent inflation, while its nuclear and military facilities were targeted by Israeli and US airstrikes in June. The combination of economic strain and regional pressures has amplified public anger, particularly in urban areas.
Analysts note that the protests highlight growing domestic discontent and the limits of government control in the face of economic hardship. Security forces have responded with force in several cities, raising concerns among human rights groups over civilian casualties.
Trump’s statement reflects heightened tensions between Washington and Tehran. His remarks signal strong support for Iranian citizens protesting against economic hardship, but also suggest a potential escalation if Iranian authorities respond violently to demonstrations.
As Iran navigates both internal unrest and external pressures, the government faces mounting challenges in addressing public demands while maintaining control. The coming days will likely test the balance between citizens’ demands for economic relief and the authorities’ commitment to maintaining order.
